Blog

Which Hair Transplant Technique is Best?

If you are losing your hair and have decided to have a hair transplant, one thing to consider is the type of procedure or the technique the surgeon will use to transplant hair from one area of the scalp to the other. Today, surgeons use both strip harvesting and follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques during hair restoration. One technique isn’t necessarily "better" than the other one. It all boils down to how much hair you have to transplant and how you plan to wear your hair after the surgery.

FUE vs. Strip Harvesting

One of the biggest differences between FUE and strip harvesting is how the surgeon collects the hair to be transplanted. During follicular unit extraction, the surgeon removes one follicular unit (or hair follicle) from the scalp at a time. Removing the units one by one means that there is no large scar at the end of the procedure. During strip harvesting, the surgeon removes a group of follicles at once, on a strip of skin. To do that, he needs to make an incision, which does leave a scar.

Benefits of Strip Harvesting

For the right patient, strip harvesting is the best hair transplant technique. For example, if you hope to have a large amount of hair transplanted from one area of your scalp to another, strip harvesting allows a surgeon to harvest a great amount of hair at once, without having to perform multiple procedures.

Another benefit of strip harvesting is that you don’t have to shave the scalp or donor area. If you wear your hair longer or prefer to keep your hair long, strip harvesting can be an ideal option for you.

Today’s strip harvesting techniques are considerably more advanced than older methods. First, the incision is usually smaller now than it was in the past. The techniques today’s surgeons use to close the incision are also more advanced, which helps the area heal better. In some cases, hair is able to grow through the scar, making it even less visible on the back of the head.

Benefits of FUE

While strip harvesting is the best pick for some people, FUE is the better option for others. The scars created by FUE are tiny pinpoints, which are barely visible. The technique is ideal for those who prefer to keep their hair short and who don’t mind having a portion of their scalp shaved before surgery.

FUE is often a more delicate procedure than strip harvesting, with the surgeon needing to take extra care with the follicular units he harvests. Advancements in the technique mean that the rate of transplant failure has fallen considerably, making hair restoration a viable option for more people.

Contemporary Hair Transplant in Paramus, NJ offers both FUE and strip harvesting techniques. To learn more about each option and to decide which one is the best option for you, call 844-261-7020 to schedule a consultation today.

ABOUT US

At the Chuback Medical Group in Paramus, New Jersey, your customized care is our top priority. With nonsurgical and minimally invasive alternatives, we can provide you with a hair replacement solution that will fit your lifestyle and budget.